Fuel Gauges and Fuel Flowmeter

[dogbert]

Ok, there's been lots of talk about fuel gauges not working or not being very accurate. The one on my boat has actually worked since day 1, but, like all other boats I've owned...it's only directionally accurate.

There's currently a poll on whether or not you have a fuel flow meter, but I thought I'd ask the question a different way: should it be an option?

[mtnsmith]

I would love a fuel flow meter, a bunch of my sterndrive buddies don't believe that I get as good of a gph as I am, even with a lot of running out iin the gulf. Plus my gauge is off.

[Tequilasun]

Such a small item, but it could make a huge selling point IMHO.

But then I guess it would be admitting that the fuel guage doesn't work!

[Coach]

I think the #1 item you want to work and be accurate is your fuel meter. To run out of gas because you thought you had an extra 1/4 tank but the meter is wrong would be terrible.

[talltigeguy]

I am not sure what the deal is with my boat, but I seem to lately be unable to predict how much gas I have used. It seems like I used to be able to say: 'that was about a 10 gallon day' , but now I go to the gas station and run up 20 gallons or as few as 6-7.

I find that surfing takes up a lot of gas (I use a lot of weight), but that wakeboarding with no ballast and TAPS down makes me very efficient.

A reliable fuel flow meter would be genius, and some people think that they are not perfect either.

My gas tank guage is mediocre. When it bounces below 1/2 tank I have somewhere between 5 and 15 gallons left. Luckily, I have not run out, but it's only a matter of time.

[zany]

I agree, an accurate fuel gage or flow meter is a must (Standard Equipment)
Nobody wants to see a Tige being towed into a dock, especially for being out of gas.
It just doesn’t look good.

[bfrank]

I have never had a problem with any boat running out of petrol. I never let it get much below a quarter and don't fill it much over a half if we are skiing the course. (smoother wake)

Although it seems to be a problem with allot of you. Why do you guys burn through so much gas??? I can ski three people, three sets at 32 MPH and only burn a quater tank.

If we are running to a beach or some thing I will top it off, but even then I dont burn that much gas.

And my standard guage works perfect........or does it?????

[dogbert]

Originally posted by bfrank
Although it seems to be a problem with allot of you. Why do you guys burn through so much gas??? I can ski three people, three sets at 32 MPH and only burn a quater tank.

Several reasons: heavier boats (especially w/ ballast), longer sets (skiing is pretty strenuous) and, if you're wakesurfing, you're not on plane.

[bfrank]

ski three people, three sets at 32 MPH

Its Three set each person.

[dogbert]

Originally posted by bfrank
Its Three set each person.

How long does each set last?

[bfrank]

Depends on the skier but I would say at least four passes through the course. And at a course speed at 32MPH , time in the course should be 17.9 seconds.... so for each skier one set is approximately 1 minute 12 seconds of course time ( not including the set up and initial take off and or wipe outs)
So for three skiers the course time is 10 minutes 8 seconds (if my math is correct)
Now this does not take into effect falls and proper wake control in the course after a fall.

[Coach]

I was thinking more and more about the fuel flow meter and why it should be included. When I was checking out the Malibu's they had it and it was a nice thing to check. The BU readout was a percentage and level. I also see that Supra is going to have it on their 2007 models. Both Malibu and Supra use Indmar so it is coming from the engine maker. I don't know if Mastercraft does or not. I know MC and BU both have the fuel pump located on the tank now pull the gas from the source which is supose to help elimate vapor lock and maintain a better flow. But they both recommend not to run it lower than a 1/4 tank.

[Paublo]

See this post for the pictures and explanation of the install of my fuel flow meter.
http://www.tigeowners.com/forum/show...5&pagenumber=3
It cost about $175 total for all parts and took about 1-1/2 hours.